Explore Texas Off-Road and At Sea

The call of the open sea and the road less traveled will pull many of us out onto boats and all-terrain vehicles for adventures across Texas. Here’s how to make summertime memories while keeping the family safe.

Riding ATVs at the Ranch

ATVs are great for adults who work on farms and ranches, but they can be tricky for youngsters to handle.

• Choose the right ride. Safety experts stress that kids should drive vehicles of a suitable size for their age, only carry passengers as seating allows, and take a rider safety course before they get behind the wheel.
• Learn how to drive. ATV rider safety courses are required for riders under 14 who will be driving on public land or Texas beaches, and a parent or guardian must supervise at all times. Even if your kids will be riding only on private property, a class can give them the skills they need to ride more safely and supervision can help prevent accidents.
• Suit up. Make the attire for an off-road ride part of the fun: Helmets and safety goggles are critical, and gloves, long sleeves, long pants, and boots can protect against scrapes.
• Get covered. “Typically, policies extend liability protection for people who don’t live on the premises,” says Billy Johnson Jr., a Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Agent in Burnet County. It’s a good idea to talk to your Agent to make sure you have liability coverage. You’ll also want to see if your policy covers damage to the ATV itself. By taking a few safety precautions now, you can help ensure that your family’s summer fun creates fond memories that last.

Boating With the Family

It’s hard to beat a day out on the lakes of Texas, and your kids will probably be an enthusiastic crew.

• Get licensed. They may clamor to pilot the boat on their own, but Texas law says kids must be at least 13 to drive a motorboat of more than 15 horsepower or a sailboat 14 or more feet long. Teen captains — and anyone born after Sept. 1, 1993 — also need to pass a state-approved boater education course.
• Get covered. If your teens will be taking out the boat, reviewing your liability coverage with your Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Agent first can be a good idea. Johnson, who serves policyholders in the heart of the Highland Lakes, says boat owners often assume their boat policy includes liability coverage. But that’s not always the case.
• Check your liability. “One type of boat insurance covers the hull, motor, and trailer, but liability coverage is extended from the homeowners policy,” Johnson says, “while other boat policies include liability coverage.” Either can be a good option, but if you’re using your homeowners liability coverage for your boat, make sure it’s adequate.
• Stay afloat. Make sure there’s a life jacket — also called a personal flotation device — for everyone on board. Everyone under 13 must wear a life jacket while the boat is moving, according to Texas law.

For more summer adventures, check out our list of the 10 best zoos in Texas. 

Coverage and discounts are subject to qualifications and policy terms and may vary by situation.